Five victims identified in deadly Central Texas plane crash

 Five people killed in a small plane crash in Central Texas last week have been identified, according to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Officials said pilot Justin Appling and passengers Hayden Dillard, Seren Wilson, Brooke Skypala, and Stacy Hedrick died in the crash Thursday night near Wimberley.

The Amarillo Pickleball Club first shared the victims’ names in a social media post, noting that all five were members traveling to a pickleball tournament near Austin.

“Please keep their precious families in your thoughts and prayers,” the club said.

The crash occurred shortly after 11 p.m. April 30, when the Hays County Sheriff’s Office received reports of a loud explosion and fire. Deputies responded to the 200 block of Round Rock Road at approximately 11:05 p.m., where they found the wreckage of a downed aircraft.

Authorities identified the plane as a Cessna 421C carrying five people. All occupants were pronounced dead at the scene.

Preliminary findings indicate the aircraft was traveling at a high speed at the time of impact. Officials said there is no evidence of a mid-air collision. A second aircraft reported to be in the area landed safely in New Braunfels.

The Federal Aviation Administration and the National Transportation Safety Board have received notification and will lead the investigation into the cause of the crash.

Authorities have not released additional details about the flight’s origin or the circumstances leading up to the crash. Investigators are expected to review flight data, weather conditions, and aircraft maintenance records as part of the ongoing probe.

The tragedy has drawn an outpouring of support from the victims’ community, particularly among fellow pickleball players and local organizations.

Officials said additional information will be released as the investigation progresses.